CHALLENGES TO HARM REDUCTION

Drug use and its effects are huge challenges. They require the coordinated efforts of treatment specialists, law enforcement agents, public health professionals, corrections experts, and drug users themselves.

Harm reduction suggests that drug treatment is usually more effective than arrest and imprisonment. It also s working with drug users. It also says that the best approach to drug use problems involves public health providers working with drug users rather than imposing legal punishment. Exceptions would be where drug use results in criminal activity that harms others, such as theft, violence, and driving under the influence of drugs.

Many communities combine harm reduction and law enforcement approaches to drug use. Unfortunately, many debates about drug policy put public health arguments on one side against morality and law enforcement on the other.

IS HARM REDUCTION LEGAL?

Some aspects of harm reduction are legal. Drug users can get information on methadone, on using drugs more safely, or referrals to drug treatment programs. People can get information on reducing the risk of HIV infection through sexual activity.

Many other aspects of harm reduction require changes in laws or in law enforcement procedures. For example, syringe exchange programs operate under specific exemptions to existing laws or local "emergency" legislation. They require cooperation from local law enforcement officials.

HARM REDUCTION IN NEW MEXICO

These actions put New Mexico among the few states that have implemented harm reduction approaches to drug use instead of relying totally on a law enforcement approach.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Harm reduction is a public health approach to behaviors that harm individuals and their communities. Harm reduction can be applied alongside law enforcement activities.

Harm reduction focuses on improving the health of individuals and the public, more than on eliminating harmful behaviors, although that is the ultimate goal. Harm reduction principles can be applied to reducing the HIV-related risks of drug use or of unsafe sexual activity.